If you’re about to launch your own website — whether it’s for your business or personal brand — there’s one decision that often gets overlooked: choosing your domain extension, also known as a top-level domain (TLD).
The market is flooded with options. From the classic and familiar (.com, .net) to the more “modern” or trendy choices like .online, .store, .fun, .vip, or even .pizza.
Sure, it’s tempting to pick something unique. You might even find that your ideal name is available — and at a very low cost, or even free.
But before you hit “Buy,” there’s something important you need to know: not all extensions are treated equally — not by your users, not by search engines… and not by AI systems.
Some domain extensions carry a bad reputation
It’s not that certain TLDs are inherently bad. The issue arises when a specific extension is widely used for malicious activity like spam, phishing scams, fake websites, or malware.
Some registries don’t enforce strong security policies, and they allow anonymous, mass registrations. This makes their TLDs vulnerable to abuse.
As a result, those domain extensions become associated with spam and fraud — and if you register one of them for your business, you may unknowingly carry that same stigma.
How does this affect you?
- Your emails might get blocked or land in spam simply because your domain is seen as suspicious.
- Potential customers may hesitate to click on your links if your domain looks odd or unfamiliar.
- Search engines might rank your site lower, because your TLD is linked to low-quality or harmful content.
And here’s the big one:
AI platforms like Google AI, ChatGPT, and other large language models are trained to prioritize domains with strong reputation and local credibility. If your domain has a questionable TLD, your chances of showing up in search results or AI answers drop significantly.
.cy: The domain extension that builds trust
If you’re based in Cyprus, targeting a Cypriot audience, or you’re a global brand looking for a reliable, geo-relevant domain, the smart choice is simple: .cy.
Why?
- It’s local, official, and instantly recognizable
A .cy domain shows who you are and where you operate. It’s strongly associated with professionalism and a trustworthy Cypriot presence. - It helps your local SEO
Google often prioritizes country-code domains like .cy in local search results. If your target audience is in Cyprus, you’re already one step ahead. - It has an excellent reputation score
Unlike domains abused by spammers, .cy remains clean — thanks to strict registration and verification policies by Registry .cy, which oversees who can register a .cy domain and under what conditions. - It’s favored by AI platforms
Tools like ChatGPT and Google AI take into account domain reputation and frequency of use. Domains ending in .cy are more likely to appear in local, relevant suggestions because their overall trust score is high.
So, what should you choose?
👉 If you’re a professional or business in Cyprus, make .cy your digital identity.
👉 Can’t find your exact name? Consider a small variation — but stick with .cy.
👉 If you care about trust, visibility, and being recommended by Google & AI platforms, invest in a domain that speaks well for you.
Register your domain today at www.nic.cy
Choose a domain extension that supports your growth — not one that holds you back.